Arsenal defender/midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles was substituted at half time against Vitoria Guimaraes on Thursday night. He gave away the ball for the Portuguese side’s second goal after starting the game on the right-wing.
His performance was heavily criticised by former player Martin Keown who questioned whether the 22-year-old had blown his chance of being a first-team regular. Fans on Twitter have been debating the player’s future:
Another Ox…
— Neil McKeown (@mckeown_afc) October 25, 2019
I want him to succeed but not every Arsenal Youth is good enough… good squad player to have but I don’t see anything special other than his athleticism
— J A M E S C O X® (@CliffCoxx) October 25, 2019
Ox 2.0
— New Mexico Gooner (@dan50lodge) October 25, 2019
Has been victime of his versatility, now he looks confused where his position is
— रोशन (gooner) (@imgunner10) October 25, 2019
Take a leaf or maybe some advice from James Milner about versatility.
— Bri (@Buzz3210) October 25, 2019
AMN isn’t good enough for centre midfield, isn’t creative enough for wide midfield (terrible 1on1 attacking) and is an average right back. Not going to see field for EPL. Think he will be gone.
— Clive Lovett -Ttevol EvilC (@evilcnews) October 25, 2019
I think we should move him on. He’s had plenty of opportunities and unfortunately hasn’t taken them. He will still have a career but if he sees himself as CM he needs to move on.
— Matt Wilson (@mattwillywilson) October 25, 2019
Too early to rubbish him. He needs a long run at a set position. He's had some big games for us in the past, let's not forget.
— Ali T. (@aligooner78) October 25, 2019
Not good enough …
— Ian annuar (@annuar_ian) October 25, 2019
Should look at selling, he will only be a cover player at Arsenal. If he's not happy being that, he should want to leave.
— Forhad (@forhad_sikder) October 25, 2019
His tempo let’s him down. Too relaxed at times.
— Coach Mike (@Miiikey) October 25, 2019
There are certainly parallels with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Both see themselves as central midfielders but both were shunted into wide positions. Maitland-Niles will likely get more chances to impress in the Europa League but with manager Unai Emery now having two other options at right-back in Hector Bellerin and Calum Chambers, game time in the league could be limited.
With the likes of Matteo Guendouzi, Granit Xhaka, Lucas Torreira and Joe Willock also ahead of him in the pecking order for starts in central midfield, Maitland-Niles will need to improve if he is to be considered as a candidate for his favoured role as well.